Moray martial arts club SBG Moray shines at British Open NoGi Jiu Jitsu tournament in Coventry
A Moray martial arts group has claimed a clutch of medals in a major UK competition.
The SBG Moray club sent a team of seven athletes to Coventry for the British Open NoGi Jiu Jitsu tournament.
All seven did the club proud in the most prestigious tournament of its type in 2024, taking home three British titles.
Kevin McAloon, who coaches and competes for the club, was one of the three gold medallists in the event and hailed the efforts of his team.
He was particularly pleased for 13-year-old Alaisdair O’Loughlin, who took gold in the junior category on his competitive debut.
“That was really good for him in his first competition against an opponent who was a lot more experienced than him and he won by submission,” said McAloon, who also won gold in the black belt open class.
Craig Fraser (26) was another winner in the white belt division. “That’s a very deep category which always had the most numbers and he had to win five fights, all by submission to get the gold,” his coach added.
“Craig and Alaisdair were promoted, after they won we moved them up to their next belt for their achievement.”
Completing the Moray podium-toppers was Italian member Immacolata Terranova, who won gold in the women’s purple belt category.
“We took down a group of seven and everyone was very impressive,” added.
“Ethan Nicolson got a bronze and Erin Beaumont a silver, while Clara Mowat faced the toughest girl in her division who had a lot more experience and gave her a very close match.”
McAloon is pleased to see increasing numbers at his gym. “Last year it was only me in the competition and the year before it was Ethan and myself, so it’s great to get more involved.
“It’s really good to have these numbers going down to Coventry, which involved a flight, then a two-hour drive and two nights in a hotel.
“We have added a lot more numbers this year so it was good to have a lot more people going down and showing their commitment.”
